A new adult social care initiative promoting independence for adults who need support and offers them the chance to be part of a family, is set to be launched in Stoke-on-Trent. Shared Lives is a form of social care in which people, who need support to live their lives to the full, such as those with learning disabilities, are matched with compatible Shared Lives carers and families who will support them in their family and community life. Carers are paid a fixed amount rather than an hourly rate and have access to benefits including tax discounts.